Actresses You Didn’t Know Are Incredible Musicians

Some screen favorites also keep busy in the studio, writing songs, fronting bands, and releasing records that stand on their own. Many have charting singles, acclaimed albums, or notable collaborations, and a surprising number play instruments and write their own material. Here are fifteen actresses with legitimate music resumes that include label releases, tours, and studio credits. You might have heard them sing in a film or on a soundtrack, but these careers go well beyond a one-off performance.

Brie Larson

Brie Larson released a pop rock album titled “Finally Out of P.E.” and toured radio shows to promote its lead single. She co-wrote several tracks and played guitar at live appearances. Her vocals appear on various soundtrack projects, and she has performed original music at industry events. Early demos circulated online before the album’s official release expanded her audience.

Emmy Rossum

Emmy Rossum has two studio albums that showcase classical training with a pop and standards blend. “Inside Out” features original material she co-wrote, while “Sentimental Journey” focuses on covers arranged around a calendar concept. She recorded in respected Los Angeles studios with veteran producers and session players. Her music videos received steady rotation on adult contemporary channels.

Hailee Steinfeld

Hailee Steinfeld’s debut EP “Haiz” introduced her as a pop artist with multiple platinum singles. She has recorded collaborations with producers and artists across dance and hip hop. International performances include awards shows and televised specials. Her release schedule has included standalone singles that charted in several countries.

Zoë Kravitz

Zoë Kravitz fronts the electro R&B project Lolawolf, which has released an album and EPs supported by club tours. The group has opened for major pop and hip hop acts and appeared at notable festivals. Kravitz records vocals and contributes to songwriting and visual direction. Music videos from the project have earned significant online streams.

Scarlett Johansson

Scarlett Johansson released “Anywhere I Lay My Head,” an album of Tom Waits covers recorded with indie producers and guest musicians. She followed with a collaborative EP with Pete Yorn and later a full project as The Singles. Sessions included analog instrumentation and layered vocal production. Several tracks received airplay on alternative and college radio.

Keira Knightley

Keira Knightley recorded original songs for the ‘Begin Again’ soundtrack with producer Gregg Alexander. She learned guitar for the sessions and tracked live vocals for film and album use. The soundtrack earned widespread distribution and strong digital sales. She has since contributed vocals to charity and promotional recordings tied to film projects.

Leighton Meester

Leighton Meester’s album “Heartstrings” features songs she wrote and recorded with a touring band. She supported the release with club dates across North America, performing guitar and vocals. Earlier singles included pop collaborations that charted in select markets. Her live sets mix album cuts with reworked versions of earlier tracks.

Juliette Lewis

Juliette Lewis leads Juliette and the Licks, a rock band with multiple releases and global tours. The group has played major festivals and shared stages with established rock acts. Lewis co-writes and records in studios in the United States and the United Kingdom. Live recordings and music videos capture a high-energy performance style built over years on the road.

Malin Åkerman

Malin Åkerman was the lead singer of The Petalstones, a rock outfit that released an album and performed in Los Angeles venues. She recorded studio vocals and appeared in the band’s videos. After the group disbanded, she continued to make guest appearances with other musicians. Her credits include songwriting contributions and live charity performances.

Krysten Ritter

Krysten Ritter formed the indie duo Ex Vivian and released a self-titled album recorded in New York. She writes lyrics, plays guitar, and records vocals on the project. Tracks feature lo-fi textures and minimalist arrangements. Ritter has also contributed songs to independent film soundtracks.

Kate Winslet

Kate Winslet recorded the single “What If” for an animated film soundtrack, produced by a top pop team. The song charted in several European countries and came with an official music video. She participated in studio promotion and live television performances. The track later appeared on holiday collections and compilation albums.

Lucy Hale

Lucy Hale released the country album “Road Between” through a Nashville label and toured radio stations nationwide. The project involved writers known for contemporary country hits. She performed at country festivals and on morning shows to support the singles. Follow-up releases and holiday tracks kept her on genre playlists.

Maya Hawke

Maya Hawke has released indie folk albums produced by collaborators linked to alternative scenes. Her records emphasize storytelling lyrics and acoustic arrangements. She has completed North American and European tour dates in small theaters. Sessions included contributions from notable studio musicians and engineers.

Suki Waterhouse

Suki Waterhouse records dreamy pop and indie rock, collecting singles into full-length releases with steady streaming growth. She has toured internationally and appeared on late-night television performing original songs. Videos and artwork maintain a cohesive visual identity across campaigns. Collaborators include producers with credits in alternative and pop crossover.

Evan Rachel Wood

Evan Rachel Wood performs with the duo Evan + Zane, delivering themed sets that span classics and deep cuts. She records studio covers and has contributed vocal tracks to film and television projects. Live shows feature arrangements built around piano, guitar, and strings. She has participated in tribute concerts and charity recordings with professional ensembles.

Zooey Deschanel

Zooey Deschanel records as one half of She and Him with multiple albums released on respected indie labels. The project features original songs and covers arranged with vintage pop instrumentation. The duo has completed U.S. and international tours with festival appearances. Holiday releases and soundtrack contributions have kept the catalog active between studio albums.

Jada Pinkett Smith

Jada Pinkett Smith fronted the metal band Wicked Wisdom and released a studio album supported by national touring. The group performed on major festival bills and opened for established acts. She recorded vocals and participated in songwriting sessions for the band’s material. Live videos and official singles documented the project’s heavier sound.

Hilary Duff

Hilary Duff has multiple pop albums with certified sales and radio singles. She supported releases with arena and theater tours across North America and abroad. Recording sessions brought in producers from mainstream pop and electronic music. Soundtrack placements and deluxe editions extended the life of several singles.

Selena Gomez

Selena Gomez began with releases under Selena Gomez and the Scene before transitioning to solo albums on major labels. Her catalog includes multiple charting singles and collaborations with prominent producers. She has mounted global tours with full production design. Soundtrack features and bilingual releases broadened her reach.

Vanessa Hudgens

Vanessa Hudgens released pop albums following her breakout on ‘High School Musical’ with national promotion. She filmed music videos to support lead singles and performed on televised specials. Collaborators included writers known for contemporary pop hooks. Later projects added stage recordings and soundtrack features to her discography.

Jennifer Lopez

Jennifer Lopez maintains a long-running recording career with studio albums spanning pop, R and B, and Latin styles. She has headlined world tours and multi-year Las Vegas residencies. Singles from different eras achieved strong radio play and streaming performance. Bilingual releases and high profile collaborations keep her catalog active.

Zendaya

Zendaya released a self-titled album and several singles that brought together pop and R and B producers. She performed at awards shows and on morning television to promote new tracks. Music videos highlighted choreography and visual storytelling tied to the releases. Later recordings appear on soundtracks for projects like ‘The Greatest Showman’ and ‘Euphoria’.

Sabrina Carpenter

Sabrina Carpenter’s discography includes multiple studio albums and consistent single campaigns. She sells out theater and arena dates with tours across North America, Europe, and Asia. Her songs frequently trend on streaming platforms with strong playlist support. She records with a recurring team of pop writers that shapes a cohesive sound.

Keke Palmer

Keke Palmer has released albums, EPs, and numerous singles that pull from pop and R and B. She supports her music with live performances at festivals and televised events. Soundtrack cuts and themed projects tie her songs to film and television work. She also directs or co directs select music videos to align visuals with the material.

Victoria Justice

Victoria Justice released singles connected to ‘Victorious’ and continued with independent pop tracks after the show. She has performed her songs at fan events and live showcases. Recording sessions have included producers from both teen pop and adult contemporary circles. Digital platforms serve as the primary channel for her recent releases.

Hayley Kiyoko

Hayley Kiyoko moved from acting roles into pop releases that include EPs and full albums. She tours extensively with club and festival dates across multiple continents. Singles are supported by self directed or co directed videos that build a narrative universe. Collaborations with dance producers have placed tracks on club and radio playlists.

Mandy Moore

Mandy Moore returned to recording after years focused on acting, releasing singer songwriter albums tracked with live bands. Earlier pop records achieved certified sales and international promotion. She has supported recent projects with intimate tours and studio sessions captured in behind the scenes content. Select songs appear on soundtracks for series like ‘This Is Us’.

Priyanka Chopra Jonas

Priyanka Chopra Jonas released English language pop singles with major label backing and high profile music videos. Collaborators included producers known for global crossover hits. She performed at international events and award shows to promote releases. Earlier recordings in India expanded her bilingual catalog.

Naomi Scott

Naomi Scott records pop and R and B projects including EPs produced in London and Los Angeles. She performed songs for ‘Aladdin’ while maintaining separate solo releases. Live sessions and radio appearances helped introduce her original material. Her credits include songwriting contributions on multiple tracks.

Bridgit Mendler

Bridgit Mendler released the pop album ‘Hello My Name Is…’ and followed with independent EPs that leaned alternative. She toured clubs and theaters while promoting singles through acoustic sessions and live streams. Writing camps and co writing credits shaped much of her catalog. Soundtrack features and charity performances round out her music activity.

Ashley Tisdale

Ashley Tisdale released pop albums through major labels and returned later with the independent project ‘Symptoms’. She supported her records with national promo visits and club shows that featured a live band. Early soundtrack singles from ‘High School Musical’ boosted her radio presence and digital sales. She continues to record collaborations and acoustic sessions that highlight her lower register.

Demi Lovato

Demi Lovato launched a solo career with multiple platinum singles and albums that earned strong chart placements. She has headlined arena tours across North America and internationally with full production. Studio sessions regularly pair her with veteran pop and rock writers for powerful vocal driven tracks. Soundtrack appearances and live television performances keep her catalog in rotation.

Bella Thorne

Bella Thorne records pop and dance tracks and releases them as singles and EPs with steady visuals. She first reached music audiences with soundtrack work tied to ‘Shake It Up’. Later projects expanded into club oriented production with guest features. She promotes new songs through live appearances and social content that showcase behind the scenes studio work.

Aly Michalka

Aly Michalka records as part of Aly and AJ with a catalog that mixes shimmering guitars and crisp harmonies. The duo tours theaters and festivals with tight live arrangements and strong audience participation. Recent albums emphasize analog production and organic instrumentation. Special sessions include reimagined versions of earlier hits recorded in new keys.

AJ Michalka

AJ Michalka contributes lead vocals, bass, and guitar to Aly and AJ while also handling co writing duties. She has recorded in Los Angeles and Nashville studios with trusted collaborators. Tour setlists blend new material with refreshed arrangements of early tracks. The pair releases live recordings that capture the crowd energy from their evening shows.

Tatyana Ali

Tatyana Ali released the R and B album ‘Kiss the Sky’ that produced a breakout single and international promotion. She performed on television programs and at radio events to support the record. Follow up releases included collaborations with notable producers from the era. Her music videos received rotation on popular urban and pop platforms.

Alyssa Milano

Alyssa Milano recorded several pop albums that found a strong audience in Japan with certified sales. She filmed music videos and performed at promotional events across key cities. Her releases combined upbeat tracks with ballads produced by experienced studio teams. Compilation appearances and special editions kept the catalog active years after initial launch.

Taylor Momsen

Taylor Momsen fronts The Pretty Reckless and leads the band through hard hitting rock albums and world tours. The group has topped rock airplay charts and maintained a consistent festival presence. She co writes songs and records vocals with a gritty live feel. Music videos and concert films document the band’s onstage intensity.

Rose McGowan

Rose McGowan released the album ‘Planet 9’ which focuses on atmospheric pop and layered vocals. She developed the project independently over several years with a small production team. Visual components and spoken word elements create a cohesive concept across tracks. Select performances and listening events introduced the material to fans.

Florence Pugh

Florence Pugh contributes vocals and guitar to soundtrack recordings and intimate live sessions. Her performances on the ‘A Good Person’ soundtrack include emotionally direct vocal takes. She often shares stripped down covers that spotlight phrasing and tone. Studio collaborations keep her connected to songcraft alongside her film work.

Riley Keough

Riley Keough recorded studio vocals as the lead in ‘Daisy Jones and the Six’ with a full album assembled by professional producers. Cast members performed songs at select live events to support the release. The project used vintage instruments and analog techniques to achieve an authentic band sound. Streaming numbers and chart placements confirmed strong listener interest.

Anya Taylor-Joy

Anya Taylor-Joy recorded multiple tracks for the ‘Last Night in Soho’ soundtrack with polished studio arrangements. Singles from the soundtrack were promoted with official videos and radio play. Her vocal work emphasizes classic pop stylings that fit the film’s setting. Additional sessions include duet performances and special appearances tied to promotional campaigns.

Charlotte Gainsbourg

Charlotte Gainsbourg maintains a respected recording career with albums produced alongside artists like Beck and members of Air. She tours internationally with elegant live shows that balance electronics and live drums. Her releases feature bilingual lyrics and cinematic arrangements. Deluxe editions and remix projects extend the life of her studio albums.

Tia Carrere

Tia Carrere records Hawaiian music with frequent collaborator Daniel Ho and has received multiple Grammy Awards for her work. Albums highlight traditional instruments and warm vocal blends captured in high fidelity studios. She performs at cultural festivals and concert halls that emphasize acoustic sound. Live sets often include introductions to song history and language.

Katey Sagal

Katey Sagal released solo albums that showcase roots rock influences and rich harmonies. She performs with a seasoned band at theaters and listening rooms across the country. Her voice features prominently on ‘Sons of Anarchy’ soundtrack recordings with moody cover choices. Studio credits include collaborations with respected Americana musicians and producers.

Share your favorite discoveries in the comments and tell us which actress’s music you’re adding to your playlist today.